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The Best Tips for Painting or Staining Your Fence Before Winter

One of the best ways to improve the curb appeal of your home is to have a good looking fence. Over time, your fence will start to show wear and tear so you will need to paint or stain it every few years to keep it looking nice. If you have a wooden fence then you may have to do it even more often due to its susceptibility to the elements.

Luckily, the process is not difficult and you can easily do it yourself if you follow these simple steps:

  1. Prep the fencing material – You will need to clean off all the dirt and debris that has accumulated on the fence’s surface. If you are working with a wooden fence then you may need to smooth out any rough spots using sand paper. If you find mold and mildew then you can utilize a mixture of water and bleach to clean it off and keep it from coming back for awhile.
  2. Paint the fence – When it comes time to choose what you will use, you shouldn’t buy cheap paint. You need to provide your fence with as much protection from water and UV light as you can. A high quality paint or stain with UV inhibiters and primer all in one would be a perfect choice. If you want to make things easier on yourself, you can rent a High Volume, Low Pressure Sprayer to apply an even coat and reduce overspray. Or, if you prefer to work with your hands, a roller and paintbrush will get the job done too.
  3. Clean your equipment – Once you have finished staining or painting your fence, you need to clean your tools. If you used a roller then you can discard the sleeve but you should clean the roller and pan with either water or paint thinner depending on the paint you used. If you rented a sprayer then you need to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions very closely to avoid extra charges.